Staff Picks
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Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red95 Points - Greg Sherwood MW. Inspired by the world-renowned wines of the famed ‘Right Bank’ of Bordeaux’s Garonne River, the vision of De Toren Z originated, followed by the maiden vintage release in 2004. The exact same quality, precision and winemaking philosophy that De Toren is so well known for, would be used to craft an equal for the Left-Bank, De Toren Fusion V. This complementary Right-Bank Bordeaux styled wine is today better known as the eminent, De Toren Z. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Apr 20 -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Complex SparklingMatured for a duration of 2 years prior to disgorgement, this exquisite Cuvée was meticulously crafted as a tribute to the esteemed French chef Emile Dupuis. Crafted from a harmonious blend of the timeless champagne grape varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier - sourced from various vintages, it embodies the embodiment of dedication, exacting standards, and the accumulated expertise passed down through generations since 1845. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Jul 2024) Taste Expressive and eleg -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Another star of our great value Bordeaux wine list, the Chateau les Vimieres 2021 was awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast. The tiny (0.45-hectare) estate is home to seventy-year-old vines that produce minuscule quantities of super-concentrated grapes. Created by Eric Boissenot, consultant to Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafite in the challenging 2021 vintage, it’s rich, velvety, loaded with black fruits and supported by a fine structure. An awful lot of wine for the -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedSourced from some of the best sites in California, Sourced, Rancho Real, Annapolis, Del Rio, Laguna to name a few, the 2022 Slander is an example of great winemaking and the sum being greater than its parts. Bright and enveloping on the entry, notes of fresh strawberry, watermelon, thyme and a hint of funk come through. Spicy on the finish, the wine closes with a flash of blue fruits and lift. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Jul 2024) Taste The 2022 Slander delivers a medium ruby core with a lucid rim that’
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Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedAt the end of 2011, Peter Kwok (Owner of Chateau Haut Brisson and Enclos de Viaud) acquired Château Tour Saint Christophe with his daughter Karen and La Croix Saint Christophe is the second label of the Château. Traditional farming, Guyot pruning with natural grass between the rows combined with working the soil under the vine, de-budding, leaf removal and green harvest if necessary to maintain the environmental balance. 40-year-old vines, and 15 months in French Oak Barrels (60% new). A beautif -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Complex Sparkling91 Points - Cellar Tracker - There is Champagne, and then there is Grand Cru Champagne, the pinnacle of Champagne excellence. This Grand Cru Champagne from the vineyards of Chouilly is not only significantly more affordable but also more refined than many big household names. The result is a stunning Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) Grand Cru Champagne with complex toasty and citrus notes that are perfectly balanced, offering fantastic value. It has a golden yellow colour with aromas of pastrieRegular Price£37.95Producer Focus - 15% off£32.26 -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points - Tim Atkin. De Toren Private Cellar, established in the late 1990s and located in Stellenbosch, South Africa, is renowned for its high-quality Bordeaux-style wines that beautifully capture the unique terroir of the region. The iconic Left Bank-based blend, De Toren Fusion V is meticulously crafted from Bordeaux’s ‘Noble Five’ varietals and, with its complex flavours of dark sour cherry, a spiciness of tobacco, and a hint of aniseed, it offers a stylish departure for sophisticated oeno -
Country: Italy, PugliaGrapes: Primitivo / ZinfandelABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red91 Points - Falstaff. Deep, dark and tempting, and seriously seductive, Papale Oro has aromas of kirsch, plum and spicy oak, and flavours of rich dark chocolate, ripe cherries and spice. This is Puglian wine at its best, with great character and warmth, and a 'friendliness' sometimes lacking from its northern Italian cousins. It has delicious spiciness, complexity and pure fruit intensity, with ultra-plush, velvety texture. There are layers of ripe black cherry and blueberry fruit, and everythin -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint JulienGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - International Wine Report (2014). Situated in an enviable small enclave among the classified growths of Saint-Julien, 5 hectares of vines are surrounded by the grand crus classés of Leoville Barton, Gruaud Larose, Beychevelle and Talbot. "The Château Moulin de la Rose Saint-Julien is a wonderful showing. It instantly starts off with aromas of red and dark berries woven together with flowers, spices, new leather and toast all unwinding in the glass. On the palate this is medium to ful -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: GrenacheABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedThe Chateau de Gourdon Terrasse a L'Ombre is made under the relatively rarely seen Côtes du Rhône Village "Suze-la-Rousse”. A blend of old vine Grenache and Syrah, each plot is harvested individually and several ‘tries’ may be attempted to ensure only perfectly ripe grapes are picked. To ensure the wines reflect the character of the vine and vineyard, they are fermented in stainless steel using natural yeasts. Taste With its wonderfully deep, saturated colour and bold bouquet of crushed plums, b -
Country: France, Bordeaux, PomerolGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedClement Fayat set up his construction business in the 1950’s. Having grown it to the 4th largest in its sector (just behind Bouygues – owners of Chateau Montrose) he decided to follow his passion and began to invest in properties in Bordeaux. A lover of Pomerol, he purchased Prieurs de la Commanderie in 1984 and has begun to achieve the potential quality that rough diamond always promised. Dusty garnet colour. Aromas and flavours of mocha, toasty pistachio, and berry tart with a supple, bright, -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red95 Points - Greg Sherwood MW. Inspired by the world-renowned wines of the famed ‘Right Bank’ of Bordeaux’s Garonne River, the vision of De Toren Z originated, followed by the maiden vintage release in 2004. The exact same quality, precision and winemaking philosophy that De Toren is so well known for, would be used to craft an equal for the Left-Bank, De Toren Fusion V. This complementary Right-Bank Bordeaux styled wine is today better known as the eminent, De Toren Z. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Apr 20 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint JulienGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedSituated in an enviable small enclave among the classified growths of Saint-Julien, 5 hectares of vines are surrounded by the grand crus classés of Leoville Barton, Gruaud Larose, Beychevelle and Talbot. "The Château Moulin de la Rose Saint-Julien is a wonderful showing. It instantly starts off with aromas of red and dark berries woven together with flowers, spices, new leather and toast all unwinding in the glass. On the palate this is medium to full-bodied with excellent structure and wonderfu -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MargauxGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - IWR. A jewel located on top of the highest hill in Margaux, Château Chantelune is a unique property. Its previous owner, Mr. Soubrane was a carpenter who believed in felling his trees by moonlight, claiming this gave the best quality wood. His practice gave the property its name, meaning “sing to the moon.” The current owner is the world renowned José Sanfins, director at third growth property, Château Cantenac Brown and produces only 400 cases. The rounded tannins add a sexy backbonRegular Price£44.95Top 3 Wines of 2024 - 10% off£40.46 -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Complex SparklingMatured for a duration of 2 years prior to disgorgement, this exquisite Cuvée was meticulously crafted as a tribute to the esteemed French chef Emile Dupuis. Crafted from a harmonious blend of the timeless champagne grape varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier - sourced from various vintages, it embodies the embodiment of dedication, exacting standards, and the accumulated expertise passed down through generations since 1845. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Jul 2024) Taste Expressive and eleg -
Country: Italy, VenetoGrapes: TurbianaABV: 13%Style: Rich Fruity WhiteA sumptuous, rich, luxurious white from the shores of lake Garda. The Molceo Lugana Riserva evokes an abundance of ripe stone and citrus fruit and a rich, succulent texture. It's utterly delicious, with layer upon layer of flavour. Harvested and sorted predominantly by hand, this 100% Turbiana, the local name for Trebbiano di Lugana is a wonderful expression of the Lugana region. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Oct 2024) Awards / Wine Press Cambero Rosso - 3 Glasses -
Country: Italy, PiedmontGrapes: NebbioloABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - Gilbert & Gaillard. A great Barolo from the cru Ravera, close to the villages of Barolo and Novello, from the fantastic 2018 vintage. This Barolo from Cagliero is pure and authentic, beautiful structure with a bouquet of violets, ripe fruit (plums) and spices. Layered and round in the mouth and beautifully balanced, young but pleasant tannins on the tongue, resulting in an endless finish. Already very good today, this wine will age beautifully for years to come! Vivino Rating: 4. -
Country: England, DorsetGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12%Style: Crisp Classic SparklingFINALIST : PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS 2019: This traditional, bottle-fermented, vintage sparkling wine is made from the traditional Champagne grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This beautiful sparkling has appealing floral aromas of apple blossom interlaced with ripe melon and constance pear plus a delicate thread of minerality. On the palate the fine mousse marries citrus flavours of grapefruit and Sicilian lemon with a crystalline structure and zesty acidity. The autolytic -
Country: Italy, PiedmontGrapes: NebbioloABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - DWWA. This Barolo comes from Cagliero's Terlo vineyard which is planted at 320 meters in elevation on clay-rich soils. It's planted with Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo sub-varieties. After hand-harvest, the grapes were macerated on the skins for 2 weeks to help extract the delicate colour and aromas of this regal grape. On the palate, supremely balanced and smooth. Ideal with grilled meats and rich stews. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Oct 2024) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points / Silver Medal - Decante -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Another star of our great value Bordeaux wine list, the Chateau les Vimieres 2021 was awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast. The tiny (0.45-hectare) estate is home to seventy-year-old vines that produce minuscule quantities of super-concentrated grapes. Created by Eric Boissenot, consultant to Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafite in the challenging 2021 vintage, it’s rich, velvety, loaded with black fruits and supported by a fine structure. An awful lot of wine for the -
Country: France, Bordeaux, PauillacGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedThis 1.2-hectare vineyard in Pauillac stands next to the 5th growth grand cru classé's of Chateau Batailley, and across the road from Château Grand Puy Lacoste, on soil worthy of a classified growth. The yield here is around 32 hl/ha and the vineyard is planted in equal measure of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The entire batch of their Pauillac parcels is aged in new French oak barrels under the label Château Les Landes de Cach. The result is a superb wine from exceptional soils and winemakers. -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 12%Style: Crisp Classic SparklingThis Award Winning Rose, the Gallimard Père et Fils Rosé Brut is an absolute treat - It is a delicious blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay with fresh, bright raspberry and strawberry flavours. Beautifully matched with duck or poultry with a cream sauce, or sublime with a red fruit dessert, think Panna Cotta with a raspberry coulis. Beautiful freshness blended with some subtle notes of red and black fruits. A lively and rich mouthful, dominated by flavours of strawberry and cherry jam. The -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 14.3%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - James Suckling. Located in the heart of Los Carneros, Napa Valley, summer temperatures are tempered by the cooling fog rolling in off the nearby San Pablo Bay, providing perfect conditions for producing beautifully balanced and complex wines that showcase the vineyard-driven character of this cool-climate estate. 10 months in French oak barrels (33% new) gives this Pinot Noir a spectrum of bright red and black fruits, notes of lilac and ginger weave into the fresh berry, cherry and p -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, Walker BayGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red100% Cabernet franc and the only single block wine in the HPF portfolio. Swartskaap (Black Sheep) is recognised as one of South Africa’s best in what is considered a challenging cultivar. European in style and offering nuances of black olive, generous fruit and fynbos spice finishing with finesse & complexity. Vivino Score: 4.3 (Sept 2024) Taste Violet to ruby red, aromas of black olive, fynbos, spice, on the palate minerality, elegance, finesse & complexity. Maturation: New and 2nd fil -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points / Gold Medal - Tastings.com. Owner Jose Sanfins is also the Director at the 3rd growth Château Cantenac Brown. 100% aged in oak barrels, this beautifully complex wine with a velvety finish is made from 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and can be aged for up to 20 years. This wine is a beautiful deep ruby colour. Richness and density are both apparent in a wine that will eventually turn into bold ripe black fruits. A wine for both the present and the future. "Well-delivered slice of Médoc with cl -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedSourced from some of the best sites in California, Sourced, Rancho Real, Annapolis, Del Rio, Laguna to name a few, the 2022 Slander is an example of great winemaking and the sum being greater than its parts. Bright and enveloping on the entry, notes of fresh strawberry, watermelon, thyme and a hint of funk come through. Spicy on the finish, the wine closes with a flash of blue fruits and lift. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Jul 2024) Taste The 2022 Slander delivers a medium ruby core with a lucid rim that’ -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Fruity White91 Points - Gilbert et Gaillard. The Sylvain Mosnier Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy 2021 is a classic example of Chablis. The Beauroy site, designated as a Premier Cru ‘climat,’ features limestone-rich soils that produce fresh, clean, and mineral-rich wines. Sylvain Mosnier's traditional approach avoids new oak, resulting in wines that are delightful when young but also have the potential to age and develop beautifully in the bottle. Wine Press Ratings 91 Points - Gilbert et Gaillard | Double Gold Meda -
Country: Italy, VenetoGrapes: Corvina, RondinellaABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red98 Points - Luca Maroni. The Tinazzi Ca' de' Rocchi ‘The Bastia’ 2019 is a shining example of the brilliance of the 2019 Veneto’ vintage. Crafted from a blend of 90% Corvina and Corvinone grapes with Rondinella adding support, this is a magnificent Amarone. Produced on cooler vineyards laying between 150-300 meters above sea level, once harvested in September, the grapes were left in Tinazzi’s larder to dry until December. The small amount of super-concentrated juice that remained was gently dra